Page 125 of Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance

I run out of the building, not stopping to say goodbye to anyone.

Down the rows of trees. Through the forest. Bursting out the other side when I get to the homestead lot.

I have to pack. Have to get out of here.

This plan was a mistake.

The real ending is me, back where I belong, casting the most perfect two people in a movie I believe in with all my heart.

Screw love. Screw small towns. I’ll be Desdemona, powerful and single, and people will quake when they see me.

It’s fine. I’ll be fine.

I was not meant for this kind of romance. I tried it in Alabama, in college, in Los Angeles, and on this ill-fated trip.

I’ve struck out.

It’s time to go home. To glitz. To glamour. To the whole business.

I’m so grateful I figured it out in time.

Chapter 40

ZACHERYMAKESALL THEWRONGMOVES

It’s eighteen hours from Glass to Los Angeles. A smart man would do it in three days, a determined one in two.

But I’m an angry, disillusioned one, so I drive straight through.

When I get to my house, I dump my suitcases by the door, take a shower, shave, put on aten-thousand-dollarsuit, because I can, and because I know Kelsey would find it over the top.

Then I call up Catalina Ferrig. A dark-haired vixen is exactly what I need. I’ll convince her to be Juliet, no matter who is directing. I’ll be at the top of my game.

“Zachery Carter,” she purrs. “I’ve been waiting for your call.”

“You wouldn’t believe where I’ve been.” I pop open my laptop and quickly scan for events far from LA. “But I’m headed to ...” I pause. “A lovely little film festival in Venice. I understand it’s absolutely gorgeous this time of year. Would you accompany me?”

She hesitates. “And what does this getaway involve?”

“I’ll call around. Get some premieres lined up. Some photo ops. I have several designers who would love to dress you for it.”

“And for undressing?”

I don’t even hesitate on this. Despite my reputation or Desdemona’s demands, I’m not one to put pressure on anyone. And while Catalina’stone is sultry, I can hear the concern. I can be charismatic without playing the cad. “The lady takes the lead.”

“Hmm. What are the strings?”

“We discuss what an enchanting Juliet you would be. Our office is casting it.”

“Oh?”

“You in for a discussion about it on a gondola beneath the Bridge of Sighs?”

“Tell me where to be.”

“Our office will send the information. I’ll pick you up for the airport on Thursday. That’ll give us a day to recover before the film events.”

“You move fast.” Her voice is a purr again. No hesitation this time. She’s in.

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